Over the past twelve months, Port Lincoln City Council has remained focused on what matters most — the wellbeing, resilience and connectedness of our community.
It has been a year marked by challenges, achievements and, above all, a shared commitment to looking after one another while building a strong future for our city.
Community wellbeing has been at the heart of many council decisions. From supporting community events and cultural celebrations to investing in spaces that bring people together, council has continued to recognise that strong communities are built through connection, inclusion and opportunity.
Events across the city have once again reminded us of the power of coming together — whether through festivals, concerts, sporting events or quiet moments of reflection and support.
This year also reinforced the importance of resilience. Our community has faced pressures ranging from cost-of-living challenges to environmental and economic uncertainty.
Council has worked closely with community groups, local businesses and service providers to respond with compassion and practical support, ensuring information, services and assistance are accessible to those who need them most. The strength shown by our community during these times has been both humbling and inspiring.
Several key projects over the past year reflect council’s long-term vision for a healthy, liveable and inclusive Port Lincoln. Investments in community facilities and public spaces have enhanced opportunities for recreation, social connection and wellbeing, while upgrades to infrastructure continue to improve safety, accessibility and everyday amenity across the city.
This year, council added the word ‘sustainable’ to our vision statement, “an inclusive, connected and sustainable community committed to excellence in lifestyle, culture, industry and innovation.”
It gives my pleasure to note that we close the year, as recipients of grant funding of almost one million dollars to deliver the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre Heat Pump Electrification and Solar Project.
This project will deliver annual energy cost savings in excess of $280,000, as well as reduce our operational emissions. The funding will be matched by the City of Port Lincoln, and the total project is $2.1 million.
Environmental initiatives have also remained a priority, supporting the protection of our coastal and natural assets for current and future generations through the adoption of the Marine Infrastructure and Facilities Strategy.
Council will also investigate options for a Historical Marine Reserve for sunken vessels, and are creating a Master Plan for the Marina precinct.
Council has also continued to support initiatives that celebrate our city’s diversity and sense of place. Cultural programs, arts activities and community partnerships have played an important role in strengthening understanding, belonging and pride in Port Lincoln’s unique identity. These initiatives not only enrich our social fabric but also contribute to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the city. It has been wonderful to see our partnership with the Port Lincoln Multicultural Council result in the opening of their hub, at the back of Flinders Park.
We welcome the return of Tunarama on the 16th to 18th January, 2026, our premiere Festival celebrating the tuna industry, our seafood and produce, and iconic Tuna Toss!
The revamped and rebranded Tunarama will showcase the best of our status as the Seafood Capital of Australia, and the Blessing of the Fleet at the Marina on Friday the 16th January, is sure to be a highlight of the celebrations.
Importantly, council’s work over the past year has been guided by listening — to residents, community organisations, volunteers and local businesses. Your voices help shape priorities, inform decisions and ensure council remains responsive to the needs of our growing and changing community.
We have balanced the needs of community, for important considerations like freeing up community land for housing, with residents’ desires for amenity and open recreational spaces. We are also delighted to have partnered with local builders for the creation of a future Childcare Centre.
The desalination plant continues to be installed at Billy Lights Point, and we welcome the water security, whilst thanking residents for their patience during roadworks. Whilst the location of the plant has been the subject of much debate, opportunities have been created for local businesses to participate in the works, and to ensure Port Lincoln will have access to the opening of roads, and growth for the future.
As the year draws to a close and we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded that hope and faith often walk hand in hand. Hope gives us something to look forward to; faith gives us the strength to believe it is possible. Together, they sustain us through uncertainty and inspire us to care for one another with generosity and kindness. I am very proud of our community, who have reached out to those who have been suffering, through loss and adversity during the year. The sense of community and belonging has never been more visible, or more felt.
At Christmas, whether your faith is expressed through tradition, community, quiet reflection or service to others, may this season renew your sense of hope — hope in each other, hope in our shared future, and hope in the simple acts of compassion that bind us together.
On behalf of Port Lincoln City Council, we wish you a safe, peaceful and joyful Christmas, and every wish for good health, resilience and connection in the year ahead.
Merry Christmas,
Diana Mislov,
Mayor, City of Port Lincoln
